The Instructors

A woman practicing yoga outdoors, sitting cross-legged on a brick ledge, with hands pressed together in prayer position, smiling at the camera.

  • In 2006, I began taking yoga classes while enrolled in nursing school. The positive impacts of my yoga practice were immediate and profound! Since then, I have continued to attend studio classes, workshops and maintain a home practice.

    Over the years, I’ve leaned heavily on yoga for spiritual connection, healing emotions, finding mental clarity and the rehabilitation of injuries. Yoga has been my selfcare and spiritual practice while touring nationally as a drummer, when isolated in quarantine, and everything in between.

    In March of 2020, I moved from Asheville, NC back to my home in East TN. Here I found Downtown Yoga Center, where I completed my 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training.

    My classes focus on connecting breath to movement as a vehicle to shift attention away from thoughts and into the body. To me, yoga is a sacred space for connection with Spirit, Self and our beautiful yoga community.

    When I’m not teaching or practicing yoga, you can find me playing music, frolicking in the mountains, or taking care of patients as a nurse. I look forward to connecting with you on the mat!

A woman with long hair smiling outdoors, wearing earrings and a sleeveless top, with plants in the background.

  • I’m a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor, fitness professional, and former professional dancer with over 14 years of experience in the wellness industry. Movement has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember, and I love helping others feel strong, confident, and at home in their bodies.

    I hold National Certification in Pilates through Balanced Body Pilates Education, along with certifications in Personal Training and Group Fitness through AFAA and Fitness Nutrition through NASM. I’ve also completed specialized training in Definitive Barre Fitness, Progressing Ballet Technique for Dancers, CTMaxx Cognitive Fitness, and more.

    In addition to teaching, I’ve had the privilege of owning and operating a Pilates and fitness studio, which deepened my passion for building supportive, welcoming fitness communities. I embraces each opportunity to work with clients and have a strong passion for all things health, wellness and movement through Pilates.

    I’m happily married to David (who also practices pilates), and we have four adult children, two wonderful grand-kids, two cats and enjoy adventure and travel! We recently moved to East Tennessee from SW Florida and can’t wait to build community here! 

A woman with long, curly hair standing outdoors, facing the camera with a neutral expression, wearing a sleeveless top and rings on her fingers.

  • Yoga found me at a time when I was desperately searching for some answers. Who am I? What do I want out of life? How can I stop overusing my body and be happy with who I am? I set the intention to find myself, asked for some guidance, and the universe gave me yoga. I've been practicing since 2012. My practice didn't transform me as a person…it unblocked everything that was in the way and guided me to my truth. For that, I am forever grateful.

    Teaching yoga is the way I show my soul to the world. It makes my heart smile. I genuinely feel like it makes a difference in the world. With every class, I plant a seed. It's the most beautiful thing to watch those seeds grow, as well as to be a part of a community that grows when we come together on our mats. Find your tribe and love them hard!

    I hope to live a life of purpose, with a powerful yet gentle and familiar presence. A life filled with adventures and stories to share with others. I love to explore and organize, and I’m always learning new things. I am very holistic in my approach to living life. I try to keep it simple, stress free and good for me. I love to make my own beauty products and food. I spend my spare time alone, with my animals, or with good people doing things that light me up.

    Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be-YOU-tiful.

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiling outdoors, wearing a dark slip dress with lace trim.

  • Before the poses and the breath cues, yoga taught me how to truly show up—how to listen to my body, sit with discomfort, and stay present instead of rushing past hard moments. Through that practice, yoga became a strong foundation in my life—helping me feel more grounded, confident, and appreciative. I learned that showing up for myself was the foundation for showing up more fully for others. As I learned to meet myself with more honesty, patience, and compassion, I found I could offer the same to those around me. Teaching yoga isn’t about having it all figured out; it’s about creating space—space to breathe, to feel, to be human.

    My hope is that each of my students leaves class feeling a little lighter—carrying with them a sense of ease, presence, and self-compassion that guides them with kindness and love beyond their mat.

    Meredith Brooks said it best—“I’m a little bit of everything all rolled into one.” By day, I’m a an Interventional Psychiatry Program Manager who loves structure and problem-solving; by heart, I’m a potter who finds bliss in creating something from nothing. I’m a full time fur mom to five, powered by love and lint rollers. I love to be anywhere fresh air and movement meet.

A woman with long, wavy hair smiling at the camera, in an indoor setting with ceiling lights in the background.

  • I am an RYT200 certified yoga instructor, with my main practice and training in vinyasa, yin, and hatha styles. I completed my 200 hour training with Christa Mastrangelo Joyce in Shepherdstown, WV, in 2019, followed by yin training with Lydie Ometto and restorative yoga training with Judith Hanson Lasater.

    My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that yoga is a gateway to connecting with oneself and something greater. I strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where students of all levels can explore and experience the benefits of yoga.

    My classes are designed to be accessible and supportive, inviting students to embrace their curiosity and discover the richness of their own practice.

Black and white photo of a woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing glasses, smiling, against a dark background.

  • I found yoga later in life at a local fitness center, during the cool down at the end of the workout. I started taking yoga classes which led me eventually to taking the 200 hour teacher training at Downtown Yoga Center, as well as a Mentorship Program with Kim Blaine. Next I obtained my 500 hour RYT certificate in Asheville Yoga Center in NC.

    Since then I have been taking additional trainings concentrating in anatomy and conditions like osteoporosis, back pain, hypermobility, arthritis, chronic pain and more. This new mindful awareness changed my own practice in a way that helps me deal with structural bone changes in my body due to arthritis, as well as manage my anxiety. I am interested more in core stability and function, over form.

    When I am not practicing, studying, or working, I like to spend my free time trying new things, enjoying nature, and going for walks, as well as caring for my 5 dogs.

A woman with glasses and long, wavy hair standing indoors with plants in the background. She is wearing a tie-dye t-shirt with a moon, flowers, and the words 'Moon Light Dreams.' She has her hands pressed together in a prayer or greeting gesture, wearing bracelets on her wrist.

  • In 2020, yoga was graciously introduced to my life by a kind yogi, volunteering her time by teaching women in recovery. I watched yoga transform the character of several women who believed they were not able to change. This made me very curious about yoga and pranayama. I began to do my own personal practice; along with research on yoga, mindfulness, meditation, pranayama, and various way to obtain emotional, mental, and physical growth.

    I received my 200 hour RYT from Downtown Yoga Center in 2025. Sharing my love of yoga is what I  do to express my gratitude for the positive transformation yoga has had on my life.

    Today, I enjoy teaching children, young adults, and anyone interested in learning. The path of yoga has brought tremendous joy to mine and my children’s lives and I am excited and grateful to be able to share it.

A black and white photo of a young woman with long, wavy hair wearing a dark sweater, smiling slightly, in front of a plain wall.

  • I began practicing yoga in 2015. I had reluctantly followed my sister from our college dorm room to my very first yoga class, not expecting to like it. To my surprise, I found the practice had relaxed muscles in my body I had previously not even been aware of. I felt a significant change in my nervous system as well. It felt quieter and more relaxed.

    I completed my 200hr-RYT Teacher Training at Downtown Yoga Center in 2019; an experience for which I feel a wealth of gratitude for my wonderful classmates and instructors. With their support throughout the program, I found the confidence to share my love of yoga with others.

    The thing I most enjoy about teaching is sharing the quiet peace and joy found in a good yoga practice with my students. I love witnessing the gentle, positive change of energy that so often happens throughout the class, leaving students feeling a little lighter at the end.

    When I am not teaching yoga, you can find me reading, creating art, baking, or playing with my cat Junie.

Black and white photo of a smiling woman with long, wavy hair, wearing glasses on her head and a nose piercing, looking at the camera.

  • I was thirteen the first time I tried yoga - I spent most of the class feeling awkward and confused, but then I experienced my first savasana and I was hooked. I remember feeling peaceful in a way that I hadn’t experienced before, and I wanted more.

    I practiced on and off for the next several years, and finally began attending classes regularly when I signed up at Downtown Yoga Center as part of my New Year’s resolution. Only a few months later, I decided to enroll in teacher training.

    Fast forward a few years, and I’m now (along with my husband Nick) a very proud owner of DYC. It was an opportunity that came along at the perfect time, and I couldn’t be more grateful for how things worked out.

    When I’m not at the studio or lounging around the house with our rescue dogs, I love hosting dinner parties for our friends and family.

Black and white portrait of a woman with short dark hair, smiling, wearing earrings and a top with straps.

  • My name is Rita, and I am originally from Ukraine. I received my yoga teacher certificate in 2015 from the Yoga Alliance and have been teaching seven years, including classes in Restorative, Yin, Nidra, Hot, Power, Vinyasa Flow yoga and Pre- and Post- Yoga (certificate).

    I moved to the United States in 2012. I had been practicing Yoga before my life-changing move to America, and I made sure that my future husband found a place where I could practice Yoga prior to my arrival.

    Different people have different reasons for coming to yoga. Some come because of injuries; others to improve flexibility. Some come to balance their mind; others to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I believe that through yoga practice you can change not just your physical appearance but also your life completely. Yoga practice can help you take steps without fear about what will happen next and can help you make better decisions.

    I believe that every person should listen to their heart and body and that yoga is your guide! I wish everyone to be in the present moment and be happy! Namaste!

A smiling woman with wavy hair, wearing clear glasses, a nose ring, and a necklace, against a plain background.

  • My yoga journey began back in 2015. Desperate to find a healing outlet for anxiety, depression, and back injuries, I soon found the practice of yoga and began making it a way of life. It didn't take long to feel the tremendous benefits - mentally and physically.

    I knew this passion needed to be shared with others dealing with the same struggles.

    At 18 years old, I decided to leave my home state of Ohio in search of my true self and a deeper connection to life. In this search I was led to my love of hiking in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Tennessee and to Downtown Yoga Center.

    After attending my first couple of classes at DYC, I fell in love with the energy of the atmosphere and decided to complete my 200 HR-YTT here. Students & teachers both have a judgment-free place to explore the art of this practice.

    My goal is to be a healing form of guidance to those in search of better health and divine peace within to carry throughout their everyday lives.

    In a world so fast paced, yoga is an opportunity to be grounded in the present moment and has the ability to change our lives in such a positive way.

Black and white portrait of a woman with long hair, smiling softly, resting her chin on her hand.

  • I first met yoga in 2013 as a part of my gym workout. I am very grateful to my first teachers who showed me that yoga gives you way more than just stretching or fancy Instagram poses and had the patience to guide me through the phase when I was finding out. Just after a few months I knew I wanted to enroll in teacher training but back then my life was too busy and I was sure I wouldn't commit as much as I would like to. In 2018 I moved to East Tennessee and shortly after, the universe finally aligned and gave me the time and way to get certified as a yoga teacher with Downtown Yoga Center.

    When "everything went online" I had the opportunity to reconnect with my very first yoga teacher and obtain RYT 500 certification through training with Yogaprem Studio Barcelona.

    I like understanding yoga as a moment to connect with yourself, pampering your body and soul, as well as creating space to have fun and explore. In my classes I enjoy having time to melt into asanas and play with them.

    When I'm not on my mat, I like variety. You can find me paddleboarding, hiking, chasing waterfalls and exploring caves with my husband, engaged in events or programs that are helping animals or looking for an excuse to speak Spanish.